Eco-Living

Utopia. A word used to describe the "ideal place to live". It is an individual dream because, what is “utopian” to one, may not be to another. Here, we shall attempt to describe a model place which will incorporate as many ecological-saving devices as possible. In other words, and to coin a new phrase, our utopia has become “Ecopia”.

The following is certainly not an exhaustive. There are so many more sites from which to choose in the areas listed below. However, it will give you enough of an idea for you to begin your search for your own "Ecopian" home. If each one of us did just one thing to help save the environment, it would go a long way in doing so and would help preserve this planet a little longer for our descendants.

The search begins with a piece of land. It would have its own source of water and enough room so that one could “live off the land” while allowing the remainder to rest naturally. This land could be anywhere, on its own, or as part of such a community as that described in the following URL:

Alternate sources of energy: (Depending on the climate)

Then the real fun begins with designing the building(s).
Eco-knowledgeable architect/builders:

Construction materials:

Roofing materials:

Exterior and Interior surfaces:

Flooring:

Exterior walkways:

Decks:

Swimming pools:

Water:

Next to water, computers are just as important for some!!
Eco-friendly office environment:

Toilet systems:

Household appliances:

Cleaning products:

Furniture:

Bedding, towels, and more:

Clothing:

Now that the home is set up, the yard comes next. Growing one's own food, including having herbs on hand for medicinal purposes, is one of the truly great pleasures in life. The size is limited only by one's interest and imagination. Growing organically is the only way to save the environment and one's health. There are many books available in the library and bookstores. Websites abound with the subject of organic gardening.

Why organic? Here are just a few reasons:

  • The use of high nitrogen fertilizers does increase yields, but the amino acid (protein) content is adversely affected. The vitamin C content alone is halved. Not only is the nutritional content changed and diminished, soil is, too. This run-off eventually spills into waterways to affect other lands and animal life.
  • Despite health officials advocating diets rich in fruits and vegetables, these very products are subjected to immense amounts of chemicals. It is now known that well over 80% of the known health concerns of today come from just thirteen pesticides on fifteen crops and their resulting products. Of major concern are tomatoes, beef, potatoes, oranges, lettuce, apples, peaches, pork, wheat, soybeans, beans, carrots, chicken, corn, apples, and grapes. Broccoli, whose crucial health benefits are lauded and, which cannot be peeled, is treated with at least fifteen separate chemicals; apples can have as much as 100 separate chemicals on and through them; bell peppers can have seventy chemicals; and tomatoes at least 100.

    One place that produces superior seed for the organic gardener and who does the research to back their products is The Seeds of Change.

    Last, but certainly not least, we must not forget about personal transportation methods.

    Doing our small part to save the environment is no longer a "long-haired hippie, tree-hugging" protest. Only the totally ignorant and greedy can stand up and say "there is no problem". Species, both plants and animals, are disappearing at an alarming rate. Rain forests are being stripped of their non-renewable resources, including plant medicines. There are too many people misusing the land and water for their own personal gain, which ultimately comes at the expense of others. There is enough of everything to go around, but not when a few hoard and waste. There is so much that individuals can do -- if they just would. The problem and its solution start and stop with each one of us -- especially those in the more affluent nations.

    To whom much has been given, much is required.

    Start today. Use the above to commence thinking and researching into what you can do to help save the environment while, at the same time, saving yourselves from the long-term expense to both the environment and your health. Believe it or not, this journey can so much fun that you will wonder why it has never occurred to you to do it before!!